Hook & Extras

Gauge

16 sc and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in sc worked in continuous rnds. Take time to check your gauge.

Notes
Work in sc throughout. Work in continuous rounds. Do not join end of each round with a slip stitch; work first stitch of next round directly into first stitch of previous round. Mark end of round with a contrast color yarn and move it up as you work.

Change color by working last single crochet in old color to point where 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and complete the stitch; carry the unused yarn loosely along the back of the work. See pages 3-6 for step-by-step instructions for changing colors.

Note: To complete the designs on the tote, download the tote charts below. They will be referenced in the following instructions.

FORM STRAPSRnd 82: Cont with MC and sc in each of next 22 sc, ch 72, sk 28 sc, sc in each of next 44 sc, ch 72, sk 28 sc, sc in each of next 22 sc. Rnd 83: Sc in each sc and ch around.Rnds 84-89: Sc in each sc around. Rnds 90-91: Sl st in each st. Fasten off.

FINISHING
Join MC and work 2 rnds of sl st around opening on top of tote. Make a paper pattern for the tote sides and for the strap, adding 1/2-inch for seam allowances. Cut base, tote sides, and strap patterns from lining fabric. Machine-sew lining pieces together. Insert lining inside tote; turn under raw edges and hand-sew lining in place along strap and around top of tote.

Step 1

Work the last green single crochet stitch before the color change to the point where 2 loops remain on the hook; then yarn over with the new color -- purple. You'll be holding the old color loosely at the back of the work as shown.

Step 2

Pull the loop of the new color (purple) through the 2 loops remaining on the hook. Now you've neatly finished off the green stitch and are ready to work the next stitch in purple.

Step 3

Since there is only one stitch to be worked in purple, you work it just to the point where 2 loops remain on the hook; then yarn over with green.

Step 4

Continue the pattern as established, pulling the green loop through the 2 purple loops on the hook; work 4 complete single crochet stitches in green; work the fifth stitch in green just to the point where 2 loops remain on the hook, and follow Steps 1-4 as before.